Collapsible tank for convertible freight container

ABSTRACT

A freight container in the form of a tractor-trailer or intermodal container which is convertible for selectively carrying solid freight or bulk liquid freight including a housing, a plurality of collapsible tanks in the housing, liquid outlets in the tanks and conduits in communication with the liquid outlets located entirely within the housing and an opening in the housing proximate the outlets of the conduits. A liquid washing assembly is permanently mounted on the tanks both in the expanded and collapsed conditions of the tanks. Guide structure is provided in association with the frame of the collapsible tanks for guiding the frame in a perfectly vertical direction both when the tanks are being expanded and being collapsed. The upper and lower edges of the tank sides are bolted and clamped to their associated frames.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 08/654,855, filed May 29, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved collapsible tank structurefor a freight container which is convertible to selectively carry solidfreight or bulk liquid freight.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the present invention to provide an improvedcollapsible tank structure for a convertible freight container in whichthe flexible wall of the tank is attached to its associated framestructure in an extremely strong and leak-resistant manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedcollapsible tank structure for a freight container in which the flexiblewall of the tank is secured to frame members in an unique manner whichis conducive to ease of assembly. Other objects and attendant advantagesof the present invention will readily be perceived hereafter.

The present invention relates to a collapsible tank comprising an upperrim, a base, a lower rim on said base, a flexible side, an upper edge onsaid flexible side, a mounting band mounted on said upper rim, aplurality of elongated fasteners extending inwardly from said mountingband, a plurality of first holes in said upper edge of said flexibleside through which said elongated fasteners extend, a retaining bandextending substantially parallel to said mounting band, and a pluralityof second holes in said retaining band through which said elongatedfasteners extend.

The present invention also relates to a collapsible tank comprising anupper rim, a base, a lower rim on said base, a flexible side, an upperedge on said flexible side, a plurality of elongated fasteners extendinginwardly entirely through said upper rim, a plurality of first holes insaid upper edge of said flexible side through which said elongatedfasteners extend, a retaining band extending substantially parallel tosaid mounting band, and a plurality of second holes in said retainingband through which said elongated fasteners extend.

The various aspects of the present invention will readily be perceivedhereafter when the following portions of the specification are read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view taken substantially along line 1--1 ofFIG. 2 and showing certain internal structure of a convertible freightcontainer in the form of a trailer which can selectively carry eitherbulk liquid freight or packaged solid freight;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view taken substantially alongline 2--2 of FIG. 1 and showing the liquid tanks in a collapsed positionto provide space for carrying solid freight;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the liquidtanks in an expanded position for carrying bulk liquid freight;

FIG. 3A is a schematic view taken substantially along line 3A--3A ofFIG. 3 and schematically showing the internal piping arrangement withinthe freight container for filling and emptying the tanks;

FIG. 3B is a schematic fragmentary view taken substantially in thedirection of arrows 3B--3B of FIG. 3A and showing an open door in theside of the freight container for obtaining access to the outlets of thepiping associated with the tanks;

FIG. 3C is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 3C--3C of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view taken substantially in the direction ofarrows 4--4 of FIG. 1 and showing the track structure on the side wallof the container for guiding the tanks between vertically collapsed andexpanded positions and also showing portions of the locking assembly forstowing the tanks;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view taken substantially along line 1--1 of FIG. 2and showing the prior art cable and winch arrangement for expanding andcollapsing the tanks;

FIG. 6 is a view taken substantially in the direction of arrows 6--6 ofFIG. 3 and showing a top portion of the frame of the tank framestructure;

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 6A--6Aof FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a plan view taken substantially along line 7--7 of FIG. 3 andshowing the bottom portion of the frame of the tank frame structure;

FIG. 8 is a view taken substantially in the direction of arrows 8--8 ofFIG. 2 and showing the construction of the bottoms of the tanks and thebottom portion of the frame on which they are mounted and the pipingassociated therewith;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 9--9 of FIG. 8 and showing the top and bottomframe portions for the collapsible tanks and the manner in which theflexible inner liner and the flexible outer shell are secured theretoand also showing in solid lines the rotatable spray ball washer securedto the tank hatch and also showing in dotted lines its position when thetank is collapsed;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of portions ofFIG. 9 showing in greater detail the fastening connections between theflexible portions of the tank and the top and bottom portions of theframe associated therewith;

FIG. 9B is a greatly enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 9Ashowing the connection between the upper portions of the flexible tanksides and the top portion of the frame;

FIG. 9C is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 9C--9C of FIG. 9 and showing a part of the bottom frame portion ofeach tank frame;

FIG. 9D is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 9D--9D of FIG. 9A and showing the detail of the band which securesthe tank shell to the bottom frame portion;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 10--10 of FIG. 8 and showing the pipingstructure in relationship to the supporting base portion of each tank;

FIG. 10A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 10 showing the outlet of thetank and the position of the spray ball in dotted lines when the tank iscollapsed;

FIG. 10B is a view taken substantially in the direction of arrows10B--10B of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 11--11 of FIG. 8 showing the guide for guidingvertical movement of the bottom frame portion as it moves between itsstowed and expanded positions;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 12--12 of FIG. 8 and showing the safety strap structure associatedwith the bottom frame portion and the wall of the freight container;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 13--13of FIG. 8 and showing the manner in which the two halves of the bottomframe portion are secured to each other;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 14--14 of FIG. 8 and showing the interfittingconnection between the bottom frame portion and the floor of the freightcontainer which prevents movement therebetween in a directionlongitudinally of the freight container;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the track structure shown at the leftside of FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially in thedirection of arrows 16--16 of FIG. 15 showing a portion of the winch andcable arrangement for raising and lowering the top and bottom frameportions associated with the tanks;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially in thedirection of arrows 17--17 of FIG. 15 and showing the pulley arrangementassociated with the various cables connected to the bottom frameportions of the tanks;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the channel structure at theextreme left of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 19--19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 20--20 of FIG. 18 and showing the support bar in an extendedposition for supporting the bottom frame portion in a stored positionand also showing the channel which guides the member which terminatesthe downward movement of the top frame portion and also showing the barwhich limits downward movement of the top frame portion;

FIG. 20A is a fragmentary view taken substantially in the direction ofarrows 20A--20A of FIG. 20;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary enlarged cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 21--21 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 22--22 of FIG. 18 and showing a portion of the lower cam structurefor pivoting the frame supporting bar to a stowed position;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 23--23 of FIG. 18 and showing the latch for retaining the framesupporting bar in a frame stowing position;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially in thedirection of arrows 24--24 of FIG. 7 and showing the connections betweenthe lower portions of the cable and the bottom frame portion;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 25--25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 26--26 of FIG. 27 and showing the structure for stopping bothupward and downward movement of the upper frame portion;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary view taken substantially in the direction ofarrows 27--27 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary plan view of the top frame portion and portionsof the tank structure associated therewith;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 29--29 of FIG. 28 and showing the connectionsat the hatch cover of the tank;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially alongline 30--30 of FIG. 28 and showing the structure for holding the hatchcover closed; and

FIG. 31 is a plan view of the piping of the spray washer assemblymounted on the two tank hatches of the two tanks mounted on eachtank-carrying frame.

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of an improved collapsible tank unitof the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a plan view taken substantially in the direction of arrows33--33 of FIG. 32 and showing a portion of the top frame portion of thetank;

FIG. 34 is a view with parts omitted taken substantially along arrows34--34 of FIG. 32 and showing a portion of the bottom frame portion ofthe tank;

FIG. 35 is a view, with parts omitted, taken substantially in thedirection of arrows 35--35 of FIG. 32 and showing another view of aportion of the bottom frame portion of the tank;

FIG. 35A is a plan view of a reinforcing plate;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded view taken substantiallyalong line 36--36 of FIG. 32 and showing various portions of the topframe portion of the tank;

FIG. 36A is a fragmentary enlarged portion of FIG. 36;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 37--37 of FIG. 36 and showing a blind rivetconnection used to secure the shell mounting band to its associatedportion of the frame;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 38--38 of FIG. 36 showing a stud connectionutilized to secure the shell retaining band and the upper portion of theflexible shell to the upper frame portion of the tank;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially in thedirection of arrows 39--39 of FIG. 38 and showing the structure of theshell retaining band;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 40--40 of FIG. 36 and showing a bolt connectionwhich is utilized to secure the shell mounting band and the shellretaining band and the upper portion of the flexible shell to the rim ofthe upper frame portion;

FIG. 41 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded cross sectional view takensubstantially along line 41--41 of FIG. 34 and showing the structure forsecuring the shell to the bottom frame portion of the tank;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially in thedirection of arrows 42--42 of FIG. 41 and showing the bottom retainingband for securing the bottom of the shell to the bottom frame portion;and

FIG. 43 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing the parts of FIG. 41in assembled condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Summarizing briefly in advance, the present invention relates to aconvertible freight container which can selectively carry either bulkliquid freight or packaged solid freight. When it carries packaged solidfreight, liquid tanks are maintained in a collapsed condition adjacentthe roof of the freight container. When it is desired to carry bulkliquid freight, the tanks are expanded from a collapsed condition andmoved so that they are supported on the floor and walls of the freightcontainer. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, thepiping for draining liquid from the tanks is contained entirely withinthe freight container and access thereto is through an opening in thefreight container. In accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention, the washing assembly associated with the collapsible tanks ispermanently mounted on the tanks. In accordance with a third aspect ofthe present invention, the tank base structure is of a configuration tooccupy as little space as possible when the tank is in a collapsedcondition to thereby leave more space in the freight container for solidfreight.

As is apparent from the drawings, the freight container 10 includesnumerous identical parts and numerous mirror image counterparts.However, in the interest of brevity, generally only one part will bedescribed in detail and like numerals will be applied to both otheridentical parts and mirror image counterparts, which are obvious fromthe drawings.

The improved freight container 10 is schematically shown in FIGS. 1-5 inthe form of a trailer. However, it will be understood that it can be inthe form of a freight container of any type including an intermodalshipping container for transportation by ocean vessel, rail and truck.Also the convertible tanks may be installed in a straight truck or in arail box car. Thus certain structural features described hereafter areequally applicable to a trailer and intermodal freight container and astraight truck and a box car. In fact the various features of thepresent invention can be installed in any type of freight-carrying bodyas set forth above, including an aircraft.

The freight container 10 includes a floor 11, a roof 12, and side walls13 and 13'. It also includes a front wall 14 and a rear end 15 which hasconventional doors 17. As noted above, the freight container 10 is inthe form of a trailer having rear wheels 19 and a conventional stand 20.

A plurality of collapsible tanks 21 are mounted on frames 22 eachconsisting of top frame portion 23 and bottom frame portion 24. Thetanks 21 are movable from a stowed condition proximate the roof 12 ofthe freight container (FIG. 2) to an expanded condition wherein they aresupported on the floor 11 and sides 13 and 13' of the freight container(FIGS. 3 and 3C). The top frame portion 23 (FIG. 6) consists of twosquare frame members 25 coupled to each other by U-shaped brackets 27which bridge frame sides 29 and are secured thereto by bolts 30. Thebottom frame portion 24 is fabricated from two U-shaped portions 30having sides 31 which are coupled to each other by U-shaped brackets 32(FIG. 13) and bolts 33. The top and bottom frame portions 23 and 24 arefabricated from hollow rectangular tubular aluminum members to minimizeweight to thereby permit the container to carry a larger payload.

Each collapsible tank 21 includes an inner flexible liquid imperviousliner 34 and a flexible shell 35. Liner 34 is preferably fabricated ofsuitable sheet plastic, and shell 35 is also preferably fabricated ofsuitable sheet plastic. The types of plastic, namely, their compositionand thickness will depend on the type of liquid which is to be containedtherein. In the specific embodiment shown, the tanks are intended tocarry corn syrup, and the liner 34 is a urethane composition which haswalls which are 40 mils and a bottom 50 which is 100 mils thick, andshell 35 is a urethane composition which is 1/16 inches thick.

Each tank 21 includes a base 37 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) consisting of aplurality of aluminum spokes 39 (FIG. 8) of angle-shaped configuration(FIG. 9B) having horizontal legs 36 which rest on floor 11 when thetanks are in an expanded condition. Spokes 39 have their inner endswelded to the sides 40 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) of a box-like member 38 andtheir outer ends welded to aluminum circular frame member 41. A squareplate 42 (FIGS. 9, 10, 10A and 10B) is welded to the inner surfaces ofsides 40 of box-like member 38. An outlet plate 43 is bolted to plate 42by a plurality of bolts 43'. Plate 43 has an outlet duct 44 weldedthereto. The inner edge 50' (FIG. 10A) of bottom 50 of liner 34 isclamped between plates 42 and 43 by bolts 43' to provide a fluid tightconnection between the plates 42 and 43. The outlet duct 44 (FIG. 10A)of plate 43 (FIG. 10A) is secured in fluid tight relationship to neck 46of conduit 45 by a suitable flange type of clamp 48 with a gasket (notshown) between the flanges 46' and 48' of ducts 44 and 46, respectively.At this point, it will be appreciated that wherever a flange clamp isused, a suitable seal is associated therewith. Conduit 45 extendsradially outwardly in base 37 and passes through an opening 51 in boxside 40 (FIG. 10) and also passes through an opening 52 in member 41. Aclamp 56' (FIG. 10) encircles conduit 45 and is secured to bracket 58'on frame member 41 for holding conduit 45 securely against movement. Ascan be seen from FIGS. 10 and 10A, conduit 45 has a flattened section45a which merges into a cylindrical section 45b. This serves the purposeof permitting the base 37 to have relatively little height while stillpermitting the bottom of the tank to slope toward the outlet and alsopermitting the conduit 45 to have a standard three inch diametercapacity, which is the original diameter of the conduit 45 before it wasflattened at section 45a. It is to be especially noted that therelatively little height of base 37 causes it to occupy relativelylittle space when the tank is stowed, which, in turn, provides greatervolume in the freight container for packaged solid freight.

An aluminum dished plate 47 (FIGS. 9 and 10A) is welded to the tops ofspokes 39 with its inner edge 46 welded to box sides 40 and its outeredge welded at 49 (FIGS. 9 and 9A) to outer frame member 41. Thus,dished plate 47 supports the bottom 50 of liner 34. Bottom 50 of liner34 is a circular piece of plastic which is sealed to the cylindricalside 36 of liner 34 at joint 38. A circular plastic sheet 53 (FIGS. 9,9A and 9B) has an upstanding cylindrical edge 56 (FIG. 9B) which isplastic welded or heat sealed to top edge portion 58 of liner 34 toprovide a liquid and air-tight seal therebetween. The upper edge ofliner 34 is formed into a bead 55. The upper edge of outer casing orshell 35 is also formed into a bead 57. Both beads are known as ropededges which are formed by enclosing a rope in the upper edge portion ofeach of the liner and shell and sealing it therein. A metal band 59(FIG. 9B) is secured against side 36 of liner 34 and shell 35 belowbeads 55 and 57, respectively, by a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced blind fasteners 66 which are suitably spaced to press the linerand shell between it and circular frame member 54 and thus both providea fluid tight seal between liner 34 and sheet edge 56 and also securelyfasten the top of both the liner 34 and shell 35 to the circular framemember 54 which is welded to top frame portion 23. A cylindricalaluminum rod 60 (FIG. 9A) is attached as by welding to base member 41and the lower portion of shell 35 passes around rod 60 and is clamped tobase member 41 by a band 61. The lowermost portion of shell 35 is formedinto a roped edge 62 which is located below band 61, and thus by virtueof the foregoing connection, the lower portion of shell 35 is securelyheld against member 41.

In FIGS. 9, 9A and 28-30, the top hatch 64 and associated structure areshown. A stainless steel cover 63 (FIGS. 9, 9B and 31) is secured acrosstop frame portion 23, and it includes bent down edges 63' which lieagainst all of the outer sides of top frame portion 23. The top of eachtank 21 is supported by a framework on top frame portion 23. Morespecifically, elongated struts 165 (FIG. 28) are secured to the innersurface of circular frame member 54 by brackets 166. Additional struts167 are welded between frame member 54 and struts 165, and struts 168are welded between spaced struts 165. A plurality of short diagonalstruts 169 are welded between circular rim 170 and the corners of thesquare frame defined by struts 168 and the central portions of struts165. Additionally gussets 171 are welded at the corners of frame 23, andadditional struts 172 and 173 are welded into the positions shown inFIG. 28. All of the foregoing struts are hollow aluminum members whichare rectangular in cross section.

The above described frame structure supports the hatch 64 and thestructure which seals the top 53 of the inner liner 34 with the hatch.More specifically, hatch 64 includes an annular base 174 (FIGS. 29 and30) with a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded studs 175extending upwardly therefrom at twenty degree intervals. The studs 175extend through holes 177 in circular rim 170. The inner edge 179 ofliner top 53 is held in fluid tight relationship between hatch base 174and circular rim 170 when nuts 180 are tightened onto studs 175 with theinner edge of metal cover sheet 63 located under ring 181. An annularseal 182 is located at the upper edge of hatch 64, and a hatch cover 183can be tightened onto seal 182 by a plurality of swingable bolts 184which are swingable from clevis connections 185 on rim 181 with theirupper threaded ends 187 being received in slots 189 in hatch cover 183so that wing nuts 190 will bear on hatch cover 183 when the wing nutsare tightened. The hatch cover 183 has a vent 191 and an inspection port192. Vent 191 serves the purpose of permitting air to be vented out ofthe tank 21 as it is being filled and permitting air to be vented intothe tank as it is being emptied. Vent 191 is removable for cleaning andalso has a baffle function which permits only air to pass therethrough.Inspection port 192 is a hinged cover which can be opened to permitviewing into the tank and permit the taking of samples of the liquid. Aconventional spinner or spray ball and associated piping for washing theinside of tank 21 is permanently mounted on cover 183, as discussed indetail hereafter.

In FIG. 3A there is a schematic showing of how the conduits 45 of thetanks 21 are connected to conduits for emptying or filling of the tanks.The two conduits 45 of each pair of tanks 21 are connected to a conduit64'. A valve arrangement is provided which permits any one tank 21 to beemptied or filled independently of any of the other tanks or they may beemptied or filled simultaneously. In this respect, a valve 65 isprovided in each conduit 64'. A valve 67 is provided in each conduit 45of the two central tanks 21. Therefore, if it is desired to empty orfill either one of the outermost tanks 21 only, the valves 67 are closedand either one of the valves 65 is opened. If it is desired to empty orfill only the two inner tanks 21, valves 65 are closed and either valve67 is opened. If it is desired to empty or fill all tanks 21simultaneously, all valves 65 and 67 are opened. The above-describedpiping may be modified to permit the various tanks 21 to carry differentliquids simultaneously. In this respect, the Y 68 is eliminated andvalves 65 and 67 are used to control flow relative to its respectivetank 21.

At this point it is to be noted that the emptying or filling of thetanks 21 is from the extreme outer ends 69 of conduits 64'. In thisrespect, in order to empty or fill the tanks it is merely necessary toopen door 70 in freight container side 13' so that access may be had tothe conduits 64 and valves 65 and 67. Suitable hose connections (notshown) are thereafter merely connected to the outlets 69 of conduits 64to thereby conduct the liquid to or from tanks 21.

It is to be especially noted that all of the conduits for filling oremptying tanks 21 are completely enclosed within freight container 10,and thus there are no conduits exposed which can be damaged or ontowhich mud or ice can accumulate.

A structural arrangement is provided for lowering the tanks 21 fromtheir stowed collapsed position of FIG. 2 to their expanded positions ofFIG. 3 and for returning the tanks 21 from their expanded positions ofFIG. 3 to their stowed collapsed position of FIG. 2. In this respect, aprior art electrically operated winch and cable arrangement is provided.More specifically, a winch 72 (FIGS. 4, 5 and 15) is mounted on wall 13and it causes cable portion 73 to be pulled into the winch 72 in thedirection of arrow 74 (FIG. 16) when the tanks are being raised or itcauses the cable portion 73 to be let out in the direction of arrow 75when the tanks 21 are being lowered. In this respect when the cable islet out in the direction of arrow 75, the frame 22 and tanks 21 mountedthereon will move downwardly by gravity. More specifically, cableportion 73 is connected to cable portion 77, the end of which is securedto winch housing 72 at 79. The central portion of the cable passesaround pulley 80 which is mounted on member 81 connected to link 82. Aplurality of cables 83, 84, 85 and 87 have their ends secured to link82. Cables 83, 84, 85 and 87 lead to pulley arrangement 89 (FIG. 17)located on wall 13. At this point it can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5 thatthere are two winches 72 and a cable system, such as described above,associated with each.

Cable 83 (FIG. 17) passes around pulley 90 and then passes around pulley86 (FIGS. 5, 18 and 19) mounted on plate 88 on wall 13. Cable 83thereafter passes around pin 84' (FIGS. 24 and 25) on lower frameportion 24 and then passes around a side of frame 24 and attaches toadjustable eye bolt 91 which is secured to bracket 92 on the inside offrame portion 24. Cable 84 passes around pulley 93 (FIG. 17), passesaround pulley 94 on wall 13 and then down around pin 95 (FIG. 24) onframe portion 24 with its end attaching to I-bolt 97 (FIG. 24) securedto bracket 99 on the inside of frame portion 24. Cable 85 passes aroundpulley 100 (FIG. 17) and thereafter passes around pulley 101 (FIG. 5)fastened to side wall 13'. Cable 87 passes around pulley 102 (FIG. 17)and then around pulley 103 (FIG. 5) fastened to side wall 13' proximateroof 12. The ends of cables 85 and 87 are fastened to frame portion 24in mirror-image relationship to the structure shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.

Guides 104 (FIGS. 7, 8, 11 and 24) are provided on bottom frame portions24 to guide them in a precise vertical direction during raising andlowering of the tanks. In this respect, each guide 104 (FIGS. 7 and 11)is a cylindrical member which is mounted on plate 105 by a pair ofU-bolts 107. Plate 105 has one end welded to bottom rim member 41 andthe opposite end welded to the side of frame portion 24. As can be seenfrom FIG. 8, a guide member 104 is located on each opposite side offrame portion 24. The outer ends of guide members 104 ride in channels109 in side walls 13 and 13'. In this respect, it is to be noted thatchannels 109 are only shown in wall 13, but it will be appreciated thatthere are mirror image channels in wall 13'. The guides 104 are known inthe prior art. Each guide member 104 in wall 13 has a microswitch 106associated therewith which is located in channel 109 for terminating theupward drive of winch 72 when actuated by guide 104 to prevent lowerframes 24 from continuing movement beyond a predetermined height,thereby obviating the possibility that the winch will be caused tooperate when the bottom frame cannot be raised any higher.

A safety strap construction 110 (FIGS. 8 and 12) is provided and isconnected between a freight container wall and each side of bottom framemember 24, as known in the prior art, for the purpose of locking thebottom frame member against further movement in the event that itsdownward speed should exceed a predetermined value, as might occur ifone of the cables attached to the bottom frame would break. Morespecifically, each safety strap 110 includes a body 111 which is securedto frame member 24 by bolts 112. A strap 113 is coiled within body 111and the upper end of strap 113 is secured to bracket 114 located on wall13 proximate roof 112. The safety strap structure 110 has conventionalinternal mechanism for locking strap 113 within its housing and thusachieving the above-mentioned purpose of stopping downward movement ofthe bottom frame 24 if the latter should exceed a predetermined speed.As can be seen from FIG. 7, a safety strap structure 110 is located oneach side of the bottom frame portion 24.

As explained above, when the tanks 21 are in their expanded positions,the frame bottom portions 24 rest on the floor 11 of the freightcontainer. However, structure is provided in association with the topframe portion 23 for both guiding it in a vertical direction as it movesbetween collapsed and expanded positions and for holding it at anelevation above the middle of the wall 13 (FIG. 3) when the tanks 21 arein their fully expanded condition. In this respect, brackets 117 (FIGS.3C, 6, 26 and 27) are secured to upper frame portions 23. Morespecifically, each bracket 117 includes a channel portion 119 havinglegs 120 with slots 121 therein. Bolts 122 extend through slots 121 inlegs 120 and also extend through suitable apertures in frame portion 23.When bolts 122 are tightened, bracket 117 is firmly secured to upperframe portion 23. Bracket 117 includes a lower plate 123 having a hookedend 124. The foregoing is known in the prior art. In addition, anupright post 125 is welded to the top of plate 123 and a gusset 127 iswelded to both plate 123 and post 125. Another gusset 129 is weldedbetween the top leg 120 and post 125.

Channels 130 (FIGS. 2, 3, 15 and 18 are provided in side walls 13 and13', and a bar 131 is welded in position in each of the channels. Bar131 functions as a stop for hook plate 123. In this respect, the hookplate 123 of each member 117 rides in each channel 130 and when theplate 123 abuts bar 131 (FIG. 3C), the downward motion of upper frameportion 23 stops to thereby maintain the tanks 21 in the expandedpositions of FIG. 3. The foregoing is known in the prior art. Inaddition, plates 132 are suitably fastened to the walls 13 and 13'proximate roof 12 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) and plates 132 are abutted by theends 133 of bars 125 when the upper frame portions 24 are in theiruppermost positions.

Structure is provided for locking the tanks 21 in their stowed positionof FIG. 2. This structure is basically shown in prior art U.S. Pat. No.4,735,457, which is incorporated herein by reference, but a descriptionwill be made of the present structure for the sake of completeness. Whenthe tanks 21 have been pulled by the winch and cable arrangement totheir stowed position of FIG. 2, the locking arrangement of FIGS. 18,20, 21, 22 and 23 is utilized to lock them in position. Morespecifically, the locking structure includes a locking bar 135 which ismoved to its extended position of FIGS. 18 and 20 perpendicular to wall13 to bear against the underside of bottom frame portion 24 to maintaintanks 21 in their stowed position. Four locking bars 135 are associatedwith each lower frame portion 24. The locking bar 135 is fastened to asleeve 137 which is pivotally mounted on shaft 139, and sleeve 137 isheld against axial movement on shaft 139 by annular members 140 (FIG.21) which are welded to shaft 139. An inclined strut 141 (FIG. 21) iswelded between the underside of bar 135 and sleeve 137. In order to movebar 135 to the position of FIG. 20 for stowing the frame, lever 142,which is pivotally mounted at 143, is moved from its dotted lineposition to its solid line position. In order to do this, latch 144 ispivoted to its dotted line position to permit lever 142 to be moved fromits dotted line position to its solid line position. The lower end 145of rod 139 is pivotally mounted in lever 142 so that when the latter ismoved toward its solid line position, rod 139 is raised. When it israised, bar 135 moves from its dotted line position of FIG. 18 to itssolid line position because the top of bar 135 rides along inclined camsurface 147 (FIG. 20A) which causes it to pivot outwardly to the solidline position shown in FIGS. 18 and 20. After lever 142 has been movedto its solid line position so that bar 135 is in its position of FIGS.18 and 20, latch 144 is closed to retain lever 142 and bar 135 in theirsolid line positions. When it is desired to move bar 135 away from itsextended position of FIG. 20 to release lower frame 24, latch 144 ismoved to its dotted line position of FIG. 18, and lever 142 is pivoteddownwardly to pull rod 139 downwardly. As the bar 135 is moveddownwardly with rod 139, the strut 141 will engage inclined cam surface149 to thereby pivot bar 135 to its dotted line position of FIG. 18wherein bar 135 is received in recess 146. Rod 139 and lever 142 arehoused in channel 150, and rod 139 is guided for vertical movement byangle bracket 148.

In FIG. 14 an arrangement is shown for locking the tank frames againstmovement longitudinally of the freight container when they are in theirexpanded positions of FIG. 3. In this respect, a toothed bar 152 (FIGS.8 and 14) is bolted to frame member 41 by a pair of bolts 153. Acompanion toothed bar 154 is countersunk into the floor 11 of thefreight container and is bolted thereto by bolts 155. When the tanks arein their expanded condition with the lower frame portion 24 resting onthe floor 11 of the freight container, the toothed member 152 will meshwith toothed member 154 thereby preventing longitudinal movement of thelower frames 24 relative to the floor 11 of the freight container. Thisstructure is known in the prior art.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a tankwasher assembly 200 (FIG. 31) is permanently mounted on each pair oftanks 21 mounted on each frame 22. The various parts of the washerassembly are shown in FIGS. 3B, 9, 10A, 28, 29 and 31. Morespecifically, as can be seen from FIG. 31, one of the hatch covers 183has a pipe 201 welded thereto and the other hatch cover 183 has a pipe202 welded thereto. This is the only difference between the two hatchcovers. A pipe 203 is connected between pipes 201 and 202 by flangeclamps 204. Additionally, a pipe 205 is provided which is connected topipe 202 by another flange clamp 204. Thus, if it becomes necessary toremove the cover 183 which has pipe 201 welded thereto, it is merelynecessary to remove flange clamp 204 at the end of pipe 201 to therebydisconnect pipe 201 from pipe 203. Also if it is necessary to removehatch cover 183 having pipe 202 welded thereto, it is merely necessaryto remove flange clamps 204 on the opposite ends of pipe 202 to therebydisconnect pipe 202 from pipes 203 and 205. Pipe 205 is connected topipe 207 by means of a swivel joint 209.

The conduit or pipe structure shown in FIG. 31 is used to supply liquidfor washing tanks 21. In this respect, when it is desired to wash tanks21, a hose 210 is installed on the end of pipe 207 when tanks 21 are intheir expanded positions, such as shown in FIG. 3. The cleaning liquidis thus conducted through the piping of FIG. 31 to a conduit 211 in eachtank 21. More specifically, one conduit 211 (FIG. 31) is incommunication with pipe 202 and the other conduit 211 is incommunication with pipe 201. The conduits 211 have a rotatable sprayball 212 mounted at the lower ends thereof for spraying the insides oftanks 21, and the washing liquid is discharged from tanks 21 through thepiping shown in FIG. 3A at the bottoms of the tanks. The spray ball 212sprays the liquid in a spherical pattern to thereby contact all portionsof the inner surfaces of inner liner 34. The spray ball which is usedmay be of the type known as number 27500 which is manufactured by theSpraying Systems Company of Wheaton, Ill.

In accordance with the present invention, the above-describedtank-washing assembly 200 is permanently mounted on tanks 21 both whenthe tanks are in an expanded condition and in a collapsed condition,thereby obviating the necessity to install the piping when it isnecessary to wash the tanks. The only time that disassembly is requiredis when it is desired to remove the hatch covers 183, which isaccomplished by unfastening the appropriate flange clamp or clamps 204associated with the hatch covers. The position which conduit 211 andspray ball 212 occupy when the tank 21 is in an expanded position isshown in solid lines in FIG. 9, and the position that the spray balloccupies when the tank 21 is in a collapsed condition is shown in dottedlines in FIGS. 9 and 10A.

It is to be emphasized that while the foregoing description has beendirected to a trailer type of freight container, most of the structuralfeatures described above are equally applicable to other types offreight containers, including but not limited to intermodal containers,straight trucks, box cars and aircraft.

It will also be appreciated that while the outlet of the piping, whichis wholly contained within the described freight container, terminatesproximate an opening in the side wall of the container, the piping canbe modified so that it terminates proximate an opening in the front orrear walls or an opening in the floor of the freight container.

In FIGS. 32-43 a collapsible tank unit 225 is shown which comprises apair of collapsible tanks 227 mounted on frame 229 consisting of a topframe portion 230 and a bottom frame portion 231. The tanks 227 whichare mounted on frame 229 are movable between a stowed collapsedcondition proximate the roof 12 of the frame container (FIG. 2) to anexpanded condition where they are supported on the floor 11 and sides 13and 13' of the freight containers (FIGS. 3 and 3C) as generallydescribed above relative to tanks 21.

The top frame portion 230 comprises tubular sides 232 and 233 (FIGS. 33and 37) which are hollow rectangular aluminum tubular members of thesame cross sectional dimension. A frame member 235' of the same crosssection as members 232 and 233 is welded to frame members 232. A pair ofcircular frame members or rims 234 (FIGS. 33 and 37) are welded to framemembers 232 and 233 and to tubular frame member 235' at their areas ofcontact 237' (FIG. 36), and reinforcing plates 239 (FIGS. 35A, 36 and37) are welded across the undersides of tubular members 233 and 234 andthe undersides of tubular members 232 and 234 (FIG. 36) at 90°intervals, and to the undersides of tubular members 234 and 235' (FIG.33). The top frame portion 230 also includes hollow tubular aluminumstruts 240 welded between members 232 and 234 and also includes hollowtubular struts 241 welded between tubular members 233 and 234 and hollowtubular struts 242 welded between hollow tubular members 234 and 235'.Also, gussets 238' are welded between frame members 232 and 233.

The bottom frame portion 231 comprises two elongated hollow tubularaluminum members 243 (FIGS. 34, 35 and 43) of the same cross section asmembers 232 and 233. Members 243 have their opposite ends welded tocircular sides or rims 244 of base 246 (FIGS. 35 and 43) at four areas245. Reinforcing plates 247 (FIGS. 34 and 43), which are identical toplates 239 (FIGS. 35, 35A and 41), are also welded between frame members244 and 243. Hollow tubular struts 249 are welded to arcuate plates 250which are in turn bolted (FIG. 35) to sides 244 of base 246. Thespecific structure of the bottom frame portion 231 is shown in part inFIG. 35 wherein certain numerals are identical to those of FIG. 8 andthey designate identical elements of structure. In the foregoingrespect, the base 246 is identical to base 37 described above relativeto FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, except for the manner in which the flexible tanksides 248 are attached thereto.

While not shown in FIGS. 32-43, except for the above-describedstructures of upper frame portion 230 and lower frame portion 231, andexcept for the improved manner in which the flexible collapsible sides248 of tanks 227 are attached to upper frame portion 230 and lower frameportion 231, and except for the construction of flexible tank sides 248,all other parts of the collapsible tank structure are identical to thestructure shown above in FIGS. 8, 9, 9C, 10, 10A, 10B, 28, 29 and 30. Inaddition, there has been a slight change in the subject matter of FIG.31 in that conduit 205 has been detached from conduit 203 and conduit203 has been closed at the point of detachment at 204. Additionally, a Thas been inserted centrally in conduit 203 and conduit 210 has beenattached to the T to supply liquid to conduit 203 through the T.

The side 248 of each collapsible tank 227 includes an inner flexibleliquid impervious liner 251, which is fabricated of suitable sheetplastic, and shell 252, which is also preferably fabricated of suitablesheet plastic. The liner and shell each have a vertical lapped joint(not shown), but the vertical edges of the sheets can be joined in anysuitable manner. In the specific embodiment shown, the liner 251 is aurethane composition which has walls which are 40 mils thick and is apolyester urethane film product of Bixby International Corp. and isdesignated Estane 58246. The shell 252 is a double ply of a PVCcomposition wherein each ply is 50 mils thick. It is a product of SeamanCorp. which is known as Model No. 9032 FRLTC-DC6. The shell isreinforced with polyester weft scrim which has great resistance tobulging due to the liquid pressure of the tanks 227, especially at thelower portions thereof.

As can be seen from FIGS. 37 and 38, the two plies 252a and 252b ofshell 252 are fused to each other at their upper annular area 253 andtheir lower annular area 256, and ply 252a is bent over on itself at 254and fused to itself after a roped edge has been made at 255. The ropededge is formed by enclosing a rope in the upper edge of the shell andsealing it therein by bending the edge of the shell back on itself asshown at 254. A circular plastic sheet 257, which is analogous toplastic sheet 53 of FIGS. 9, 9A and 9B, has an upstanding cylindricaledge portion 259 which is plastic welded or heat-sealed to the top edgeportion 260 of liner 251, and the upper edge 261 of liner 251 is formedinto a roped edge or bead. Thus, liner 251 and shell 252 both have ropededges 261 and 255, respectively, which serve their conventional purposeof preventing the liner 251 and shell 252 from moving downwardly out oftheir clamped position, which is described hereafter.

The upper edge of flexible tank side 248 is clamped to upper tubularmember or rim 234 in the following manner. Two tank side mounting bands262 (FIG. 36A) are secured to circular tubular rim 234 by blind rivets237 at spaced locations where plates 239 are located and by elongatedfasteners, namely, nut and bolt assemblies 235 (FIGS. 36, 36A and 40),consisting of threaded bolts 236 and nuts 238. More specifically, as canbe seen from FIGS. 36, 36A and 40, the nut and bolt assemblies 235 passthrough the circular tubular member 234 and the shell mounting band 262at spaced locations, and the blind rivets 237 (FIGS. 36 and 37) passthrough the mounting band 262 at the spaced locations where plates 239are located. There are two mounting bands 262 secured to rim 234, witheach band having an extent of slightly less than 180°. There are twosmall gaps 263 (FIG. 36A) between the ends of the two bands 262. FIG. 36shows a 90° portion of the mounting structure for the tank side 248, andit will be understood that the other 270° is identical, except for theareas where the two gaps 263 between the two bands 262 are located. Thefact that the bolts 236 of the fastener assemblies 235 extend entirelythrough upper rim 234 provides a relatively strong joint in addition tofacilitating the ease of assembly.

After the two tank side mounting bands 262 have been secured to rim 234by blind rivets 237, and after bolts 236 have been inserted throughholes 264 and 265 of rim 234, the shell 252 and liner 251 can be securedto bands 262 and rim 234. In this respect, the shell 252 and liner 251have spaced holes 269 and 270 (FIG. 40), respectively, therein, and thebolts 236 are inserted through these holes. In addition, tank mountingbands 262 have a plurality of elongated fasteners, namely, threadedstuds 271 welded thereto and extending outwardly therefrom (FIGS. 36,36A and 38). The shell 252 and liner 251 also have spaced holes 272 and273 (FIG. 38), respectively, therein through which studs 271 areinserted. After the shell 252 and liner 251 have been mounted on bolts236 and studs 271, two retaining bands 274 (FIGS. 36A, 38, 39 and 40)are positioned adjacent the top portion 259 of liner 251 with the bolts236 and studs 271 extending through holes 275 of the retaining band 274(FIGS. 38, 39 and 40), and thereafter nuts 238 and 277 are tightenedonto bolts 236 and studs 271, respectively, to tightly clamp the upperedges 254 and 259 of shell 252 and liner 251, respectively, between thetwo mounting bands 262 and the two retaining bands 274. Each retainingband is slightly less than 180° in extent, and there are two gaps 276between the bands.

The lower edges of shell 252 and liner 251, which comprise the loweredge of the flexible tank side, are secured to base 246 of tank 227 inthe following manner. The lower portion of shell ply 252b is folded overon itself at 277 (FIGS. 41 and 43) and sealed around plastic rope 279 toproduce a roped edge. Also the circular tank liner bottom 280, which isanalogous to circular tank liner bottom 50 of FIG. 9 and which is animpervious liner material such as the material of liner 251, is sealedat 281 (FIG. 43) to the portion of liner side 251 which is folded at 282(FIG. 41). The circular bottom 280 is extended beyond liner side 251 andfolded over on itself and sealed at 283 to form a roped edge incombination with plastic rope 284. The roped edges 277 and 283 comprisethe lower edge of tank side 248 and they extend transversely thereto.After the roped edges 277 and 283 have been formed they are clampedbetween retaining band 285 (FIGS. 41, 42 and 43) and bottom plate 47 ofbase 246, bottom plate 47 being identical to dished bottom plate 47 ofFIGS. 9 and 10A. The clamping is effected by elongated fasteners,namely, carriage bolts 287 which extend through holes 289 in retainingband 285 and holes 290 and 291 in roped edges 277 and 283, respectively,and through spaced holes 292 in dished plate 47. Nuts 293 are tightenedonto bolts 287 to complete the clamping function.

An annular flexible plastic skirt 295 of the same material as shell 252has an upper portion 297 which is heat-sealed to ply 252a of shell 252and it has a lower roped edge 299. Skirt 295 covers the portions of thelower edge of the tank side 248 which is attached to base 246.

The tank unit 225 can be expanded and collapsed by the structure shownin FIGS. 15-27 or by any other suitable structure.

It can thus be seen that the improved collapsible tank is manifestlycapable of achieving the above-enumerated objects, and while a preferredembodiment of the present invention have been disclosed, it will beappreciated that it is not limited thereto but may be otherwise embodiedwithin the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A collapsible tank comprising an upper rim, a base, aflexible side, an upper edge on said flexible side, a lower edge on saidflexible side, a mounting band mounted on said upper rim, a plurality ofelongated fasteners extending inwardly from said mounting band, aplurality of first holes in said upper edge of said flexible sidethrough which said elongated fasteners extend, a retaining bandextending substantially parallel to said mounting band, and a pluralityof second holes in said retaining band through which said elongatedfasteners extend, said elongated fasteners comprising first elongatedfasteners which extend through said rim and said mounting band and saidupper edge and said retaining band, and second elongated fasteners whichare integrally fastened to and only extend outwardly from said mountingband and extend through said upper edge and said retaining band.
 2. Acollapsible tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and secondelongated fasteners comprise threaded members and nuts mounted thereon.3. A collapsible tank as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible sidecomprises a liner having a first upper edge and a shell having a secondupper edge, and wherein said first and second elongated fasteners extendthrough both said first and second upper edges.
 4. A collapsible tank asset forth in claim 3 wherein said first and second elongated fastenerscomprise threaded members and nuts mounted thereon.
 5. A collapsibletank as set forth in claim 3 wherein said first and second upper edgesare roped edges.
 6. A collapsible tank as set forth in claim 5 whereinsaid shell is a double ply of plastic sheeting with said plies fused toeach only other proximate said upper rim and said lower edge.
 7. Acollapsible tank as set forth in claim 1 including wherein said loweredge on said flexible side extends along said base, a second retainingband mounted on said lower edge, and a plurality of third elongatedfasteners extending through said second retaining band and said loweredge and said base.
 8. A collapsible tank as set forth in claim 7wherein said lower edge of said flexible side comprises a liner having afirst lower edge and a shell having a second lower edge, and whereinsaid third elongated fasteners extend through both said first and secondlower edges.
 9. A collapsible tank as set forth in claim 8 wherein saidliner includes a first upper edge and said shell includes a second upperedge, and wherein said first and second elongated fasteners extendthrough both said first and second upper edges.
 10. A collapsible tankas set forth in claim 7 wherein said base includes a bottom plate withan outer edge, and wherein said lower edge of said flexible side extendstransversely to the adjacent portion of said flexible side and alongsaid outer edge of said bottom plate and is secured to said outer edgeof said bottom plate.
 11. A collapsible tank as set forth in claim 10wherein said lower edge of said flexible side comprises a liner having afirst lower edge and a shell having a second lower edge, and whereinsaid third elongated fasteners extend through both said first and secondlower edges.
 12. A collapsible tank as set forth in claim 11 whereinsaid liner includes a first upper edge and said shell includes a secondupper edge, and wherein said first and second elongated fasteners extendthrough both said first and second upper edges.
 13. A collapsible tankas set forth in claim 6 wherein said lower edge on said flexible sideextends along said base, a second retaining band mounted on said loweredge, and a plurality of third elongated fasteners extending throughsaid second retaining band and said lower edge and said base.
 14. Acollapsible tank as set forth in claim 13 wherein said lower edge ofsaid flexible side comprises a liner having a first lower edge and ashell having a second lower edge, and wherein said third elongatedfasteners extend through both said first and second lower edges.
 15. Acollapsible tank as set forth in claim 14 wherein said base includes abottom plate with an outer edge, and wherein said lower edge of saidflexible side extends transversely to the adjacent portion of saidflexible side and along said outer edge of said bottom plate and issecured to said outer edge of said bottom plate.
 16. A collapsible tankcomprising an upper rim, a base, an outer edge on said base, a flexibleside including a shell and a first liner, an upper edge on said flexibleside connected to said upper rim, a bottom edge on said shell, a secondliner on said base extending along said base, an outer edge on saidsecond liner, a lower edge on said shell extending transversely to theadjacent portion of said shell and along said outer edge of said secondliner, a retaining band overlying said lower edge of said shell and saidouter edge of said second liner and said outer edge of said base, andbolts extending through said lower edge of said shell and said secondouter edge of said second liner and said outer edge of said base.